Abstract: A cluster of computer system nodes connected by a storage area network include two classes of nodes. The first class of nodes can act as clients or servers, while the other nodes can only be clients. The client-only nodes require much less functionality and can be more easily supported by different operating systems. To minimize the amount of data transmitted during normal operation, the server responsible for maintaining a cluster configuration database repeatedly multicasts the IP address, its incarnation number and the most recent database generation number. Each node stores this information and when a change is detected, each node can request an update of the data needed by that node. A client-only node uses the IP address of the server to connect to the server, to download the information from the cluster database required by the client-only node and to upload local disk connectivity information.

Abstract: A stack processor comprises a data stack with a T register, an S register, and eight hardwired bottom registers which function in a circular repeating pattern. The stack processor also comprises a return stack containing an R register, and eight hardwired bottom registers which function in a circular repeating pattern. The circular register arrays described herein eliminate overflow and underflow stack conditions.

Abstract: An electronic marketplace system provides various features for assisting users in listing products for sale, locating the listings for a product, and performing related actions. A user wishing to sell a product can browse to an existing description of the product in an electronic catalog and then select an option to create a corresponding listing. If the user previously purchased the product via the system, the user may alternatively select the product from a personal purchase history. The system may also proactively send product-specific listing requests to those who have purchased or otherwise indicated ownership of specific products.

Abstract: A vertebral replacement device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one of an upper or lower disc replacement member engaged thereto at one end thereof. The disc replacement device can be positioned in a spinal disc space when disengaged from the vertebral body member.

Abstract: A latching system for use in selectively securing a module within a receptacle of a host device is described. In one or more examples, the latching system includes a powered actuation mechanism and a latching mechanism. In one or more examples, the module latching mechanism includes a latch and the powered actuation mechanism disengages a latch from a catch. In one or more examples, two latches are provided. In one or more examples, the latching mechanism of a module includes a pusher that interacts with a latch located on a receptacle. In one or more examples, a module includes two latches.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compounds of formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for multi-touch detection in a touch input device comprising a grid based sensor, the method comprises sampling outputs from a grid based sensor over a first stage of detection, selecting sensor lines based on the sampled outputs, scanning the selected sensor lines along one axis of the grid based sensor over a second stage of detection, and determining positions of user interaction based on outputs sampled in response to scanning the selected sensor lines during the second stage of detection.

Abstract: A portable cleaning assembly includes a vacuum unit for vacuuming debris and a waste container for collecting waste separate from the vacuumed debris. The assembly also includes one or more batteries electrically connected to the vacuum unit for providing electric power. A transport mechanism supports the waste container, the vacuum unit, and the batteries to allow the free movement of the assembly about an area. The at least one battery is balanced in opposition with the vacuum unit to prevent tip-over of the cleaning assembly.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a series of genes are identified in Group B Streptococcus, the products of which may be associated with the outer surface of the organism. The genes, or functional fragments thereof, may be useful in the preparation of therapeutics, e.g. vaccines to immunize a patient against microbial infection.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to conveyor systems and methods which can accommodate negative gap between articles (e.g., cartons, packages, products, etc.) conveyed upon a sortation conveyor. Negative gap is attained by placing articles side-by-side upon a conveyor (as opposed to single file) so that the trailing edge of a leading article can lag behind the leading edge of a trailing article in the movement direction. In one embodiment, a conveyor system comprises a main conveying line providing a conveying surface configured to carry articles, a plurality of pusher elements associated with the main conveying line, a controller configured to assign pusher elements to articles being conveyed and to determine whether two articles received can be placed next to one or more of the same pusher elements in an overlapping relationship, can be placed to receive contact from immediately adjacent pusher elements, or should be spaced by one or more pusher elements.

Abstract: A tire changing kit includes a jack movable between lowered and raised configurations and an impact wrench. An electrical plug is configured for electrical communication with an automobile battery through an automobile outlet, the electrical plug being in electrical communication with the impact wrench for powering the impact wrench. The kit includes at least one socket configured to be rotated by the impact wrench for turning a lug nut. The impact wrench includes a processor, an electrical memory device in data communication with the processor, audio data relating to instructions for changing a tire, the audio data being stored in the memory device, a user input device in data communication with the processor, and programming in the processor actuate the jack and to cause the audio data to be provided to an audio speaker upon receiving certain audio instructions from the user input device.

Abstract: Efficiently implemented multi-channel integrators and multi-channel differentiators utilize a delay section in a single integrator or differentiator in lieu of parallel integrator or differentiator lines to handle multi-channel data flow and processing. The delay section functions like a shift register, greatly reducing the space and/or resources required for implementing the integrator or differentiator. Such integrators and differentiators can be used in multi-channel decimators, interpolators and numerically controlled oscillators in place of multiple instances of single channel integrators that have had to be used in earlier systems. These structures and devices can be implemented in programmable devices such as PLDs and similar devices, in which the delay section can be implemented in embedded memory in the device. Multi-stage decimators and interpolators can use multiple instances of an integrator and/or differentiator in series.

Abstract: A multi-mode electrical therapeutic stimulation system. The system includes circuitry for providing interferential stimulation, muscle stimulation, and pulsed DC stimulation with an automatic switchover of electrode configurations between types of interferential and muscle stimulation without the need to manually alter the positioning of the stimulation electrodes. In one embodiment, the system includes a simplified five-button user interface with pre-programmed user display screens and an operator interface through which a medical professional can alter settings, programs, and user configurations. In another embodiment, the system can also include a recharging/docking station having a built-in charging device and data port, providing for an automatic/periodic upload of compliance data from the device when the stimulator is placed in a modem cradle. A method for managing patient care associated with a patient-administered external medical device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sending a discovery agent to a computing device determines the services provided by that first computing device. As a result, a first set of information is received from the agent that provides information indicative of the services provided by the computing device. That information can then be compared to other information, either from the same computing device at a different point in time, or from a second computing device. The other information is indicative of services performed by that computing device at a different point in time or the second computing device. From that, services provided by the computing device that were previously different on the first computing device or that are not available on the second computing device can be determined.

Abstract: A scanned beam display is operable to compensate for variations in apparent pixel brightness arising from variations in beam scanning velocity and/or pixel dwell times. A compensation circuit modifies pixel values according to their scanning velocity and/or dwell time.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying content in a browser window associated with an end-user is described. In one implementation, data that includes links is received from a content provider, each of the links is identified and encoded, and the received data along with the links are displayed in the end-user's browser window.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compound having the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, G, and Q are defined herein. The compounds of the present invention are useful as inhibitors of protein kinases. The present invention is also directed to compositions comprising a compound according to the above formula. The present invention is also directed to compounds that stabilize the open conformation of a protein kinase, a crystallized protein kinase in the open conformation, and uses thereof. The compounds and compositions described herein are useful for treating and preventing an inflammatory condition or disease.